Lavar Youmans was selected to join the City of Roanoke’s executive team as an assistant city manager. Roanoke City Council confirmed Youmans’ selection at its April 20 meeting following a national search. He begins his new role on June 1, 2026.
Youmans brings more than 16 years of experience, leading complex public organizations through fiscal recovery, strategic planning and operational modernization. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from North Greenville University and a master’s degree in social work from Howard University.
He comes to Roanoke from Hampton County, South Carolina, where he served as county administrator. During his tenure in Hampton County, he led a financial stabilization effort that significantly improved the General Fund’s budgetary fund balance and advanced strategic goals into 33 adopted objectives, many with immediate fiscal impacts.
In Roanoke, Youmans – alongside Assistant City Manager Angie O’Brien – will support City Manager Valmarie Turner. Youmans will serve as assistant city manager over operational departments, including Public Works and General Services.
